Feb 2024
I absolutely loved every episode of this clever, joyful, positive and mysterious K-drama.

Each character brought something to the story. Most were high school students, with supporting adult characters, many of whom could learn a thing or 2 from the youngsters!

As the time-travelling mystery centres around a group of high school students that form a band, eventually called Watermelon Sugar, expect a fair amount of music, as the group and individuals rehearse, play and write.

I loved the cast, who were believable in their roles, had excellent chemistry and sucked me right in.

The present day characters within the central family are warm, challenged, close, but not without their issues.

Characters from the past are very varied; ranging from mysterious, to goofy, aloof, mean and frankly evil.

There are references to child abuse, bullying, threat and suicide, but those scenes sit within a story that is overwhelmingly positive, often funny and also emotional. I laughed, wanted to punch people's lights out and cried, throughout the 16 episodes, which flew by.

This drama can just be enjoyed for what it is, a feel good, happy and positive watch; but within it there are also several messages that can be found if wanted and related to, as well.

Very few plot holes and any I noticed were easily forgiven within an overall well thought out and refreshingly positive watch.

I also loved that the issue of deafness and mutism is so maturely addressed. It didn't seek to make a pity party out of the drama, with the emphasis far more on the family attempting to fit in, support themselves, and be accepted as equals.

Of course, there were characters who attempted to take advantage, bullied and treated them as though they were stupid, but there were also positive friendships too.

There is a scene near the end where a female mature character has travelled back to S.K. from abroad and remarks that things are improving [in how those with deafness are responded to/treated]. I found that very telling.

The romances (yes, plural) are very sweet. A main feature, but at the same time not in a way that overshadows the rest of the story, even though they are an integral part of it.

One of the best characters has to be Grandma, fabulously played by Go Doo-shim. Her personality, attitude and relationship with her grandson, were a joy! Loved the name of their guesthouse too.

Choi Hyun-wook as Yi Chan, was probably my favourite character overall. He just grew on me and I totally loved him.

If I had to name something I thought could have made it even better, it would be more of the latter part of his young story with Cheong-ah. Also a little more of their lives in the present day, after their return from the past (especially that of Se-kyung).

Choi Won-young made a great Dad and I loved Chun Ho-jin (a favourite mature actor), as a music shop owner. The kids who played younger versions of central characters, were great too, especially Jung Hyun Joon (as Ha Eun Gyeol).

There are flaws, but for me, none that I couldn't forgive. I really loved that actions had consequences and that parent/child relationships were widely covered.

Would very happily watch this again and I LOVED the soundtrack (link attached for msin tracks).